Save A comforting, creamy mac and cheese loaded with tender BBQ chicken and a touch of honey for sweet, smoky flavor—all made in one pot for easy cleanup.
This recipe was the star of our last family weeknight dinner. My kids loved blending their favorite mac and cheese with BBQ chicken flavors, and I appreciated the simple, fuss-free cleanup after.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), diced, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite style), 2 tbsp honey
- Pasta & Cheese: 350 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni (uncooked), 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Topping (Optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup (25 g) crispy fried onions or bread crumbs
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned (it does not need to be fully cooked through yet).
- Add BBQ Sauce & Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Combine Pasta & Liquid:
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese & Butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save We made this one-pot meal as a Sunday treat and everyone had seconds — even picky eaters. It's become a go-to when we want hearty comfort food fast.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (milk, cheese, butter), Wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten; always double-check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g
Save This mac and cheese is perfect for busy nights when you crave ultimate comfort. Just one pot delivers cheesy, BBQ goodness the whole family will love.
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added after mixing the BBQ sauce and honey. This reduces cooking time.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal for absorbing sauce and cooking evenly, but other small pasta shapes can be substituted.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Adding spicy BBQ sauce or a dash of hot sauce will boost the heat without overpowering the sweet honey notes.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Replacing dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives and using a non-dairy milk can make it suitable for dairy-free diets.
- → What toppings enhance the dish?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, while crispy fried onions or bread crumbs provide a satisfying crunch.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.